Epitomising the Avant-Garde from its creation in 1963 right up to the brand new Heuer 02 line, and including innovative pieces such as the ultramodern Connected Modular, the TAG Heuer Carrera collection celebrates its 55th anniversary in 2018. On this occasion, TAG Heuer presented the Carrera Heuer 02 GMT, a new chronograph version equipped with a second time zone function.

Is it fair to say that the new Laureato family has fulfilled its mission?
What’s interesting is that it feels like Girard-Perregaux launched the Laureato ten years ago, but in fact it only dates back to the 2017 SIHH! Although the model was created in 1975, it was never exploited. The name of the watch is on the lips of many end clients, retailers, journalists and opinion leaders, as if it had been part of the landscape for years. Not only are they talking about it in an extremely positive manner, but sell-out [sales to the final customer] is very good. This product has made a place for itself in the life and the ethos of the brand. Many people say this is because of its positioning, its aesthetic quality, its design and its value for money, which have given Girard-Perregaux a significant presence in strategic points of sale which the brand had previously lost. These days, it’s vital to have extremely solid distribution partners. Wempe, for example, has opened the doors of its boutiques in Germany, London and the United States to us. They were seduced by the Laureato and its potential to general sales. It has sparked a resurgence of interest in Girard-Perregaux, which is enjoying improved consumer confidence, and is entering a new dimension.

What is the connection between Caran d’Ache and fine watchmaking?
The very fact that we are based in Geneva is one connection, but we also share a lot of common ground regarding some of the crafts we use. It was therefore quite logical to come even closer to the world of watchmaking with our 1010 Timekeeper writing instrument, in which our craftsmen pay tribute to the know-how of the Swiss watchmaker.

Released in 2017, the Astron executive series was the first Astron designed specifically for those who want a versatile watch suitable for any occasion or activity. At Baselworld 2018, Seiko revealed a new sports design. To be launched in June 2018, the executive sports series offers all the functions of Seiko’s unique GPS Solar technology but with a new level of durability, legibility and water resistance.

You have been a watch collector for many years and you are now turning your passion into a career. What are your plans for the new watch department in London?
We are going to evolve in terms of how we think collectors in the UK would like to be served. Until now it has been more of a dealer-based model in the UK over the past 10 to 15 years and we are very keen to have a presence in the UK so that Phillips becomes a destination in the UK for UK collectors. We want people to come to us not only for the auctions but for private treaty, for advice, information and education.

Launched in 1963, the first ever Comtesse collection consisted of automatic movements. The model became a connected watch four years ago and continues to evolve towards technology. The Comtesse Horological Smartwatch is the result of development between Alpina and the Swiss brand MMT. In 2018, two new versions of the Comtesse Horological Smartwatch, expressing a modern balance of a sporty elegance and the Swiss connected watchmaking, are added to the collection.

On 13 June, 2018, a few days before the start of the highly anticipated 24 Hours of Le Mans, TAG Heuer welcomed brand ambassador Patrick Dempsey to Monaco for an unusual training session. The actor, who’s also a driver and owner of the Dempsey Racing team– who are due to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend – travelled to the Var track in Le Luc in a viper green Porsche 911 RS from the private car collection of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, for whom TAG Heuer has been appointed Official Watchmaker.

Longines and Ascot announce that the Swiss watch brand, Official Timekeeper at Ascot since 2007, has become an Official Partner of the racecourse. This will include use of the Longines logo on the Grandstand and permanent on-course and off-course branding, throughout the year. The branded chronometer close to the winning post and elegant clock in the Parade Ring will remain in situ. Each Official Partner has a day at Royal Ascot where their brand is given an elevated profile, which includes stalls branding. The day on which this will operate for Longines will be Wednesday 20 June.

Roger Dubuis shifts up yet another gear in 2018 with a selection of ultra-sophisticated new timepieces illustrating its high-octane partnerships with motor racing royalty, Pirelli and Lamborghini Squadra Corsa. Screeching power and precision as its battle cry, the Lamborghini Squadra Corsa collaboration kicked off in 2017 with the creation of a new movement inspired by the design of the Aventador S engine; while the liaison with Pirelli was the starting block for a series of Excalibur models inspired by the tyres that Pirelli supplies to high-end motor racing. 

Caran d’Ache was founded in 1915 and has been designing and producing writing instruments at its Geneva workshops ever since. Because the company shares a number of parallels with the presitigious watch brands in and around Geneva, not least its 100% Swiss Made production and the mastery of over 90 different crafts in its workshops, it has decided to celebrate them in the form of a limited-edition 1010 Timekeeper set of writing instruments featuring a fountain pen and roller pen.

Three years ago, Cécile Guenat, now Ladies’ Collection Director, was first asked to join the company and design new creations. The challenge proved irresistible for the young woman who earned her spurs in the world of fine jewellery. After graduating from the Geneva School of Art and Design (HEAD), she gained experience with a jeweller in Lausanne, then with a London jewellery designer, where she created collections for a number of Couture houses and branded designs. 

Monaco marked the spot in May as motorsport and fine watchmaking enthusiasts alike had their fire ignited by an exciting double wave of the chequered flag. The first indicated the moment when the winner of the world-class motorsport event crossed the victory line. The second was the live digital launch of the second season of Roger Dubuis X Pirelli, embodied in the brand-new Excalibur Spider Pirelli Single Flying Tourbillon. Minutes after the race finish, this super high-spec model hit the watchmaking track with a strap matching the colour of the winning car tyres. Its adrenalin-pumping range of new design options will include a complementary Pit Stop Collector Box of interchangeable straps – each echoing the high-rev partnership between Roger Dubuis and the tyre maker.

The countdown has begun! The opening match of the FIFA World Cup in Russia between the host country and Saudi Arabia will be held in just 10 days. The most successful national soccer teams from around the globe will battle it out from June 14th to July 15th to be crowned world champions and the Swiss team will also be there. The partnership between Carl F. Bucherer and the Swiss Football Association (SFA) has existed since 2016 and is set to enjoy a new highlight with the upcoming soccer milestone.

The Longines Future Tennis Aces tournament, organized by Longines for the ninth consecutive year, welcomed this year 40 international players, all aged under 13 years old and coming from twenty different countries - Australia, Austria, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States. This unique event took place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, for three days of competition on clay court under conditions identical to those of Roland-Garros.